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"I do believe in an everyday sort of magic...the inexplicable connectedness we sometimes experience with places, people, works of art and the like; the eerie appropriateness of moments of synchronicity; the whispered voice, the hidden presence, when we think we're alone." Charles de Lint

Saturday, March 21, 2026

In Honor of Dorothy

I've been thinking about tatting since I shared Debbie's stash yesterday which included a couple of sweet tatting projects.

There was a bit of it in Susan's stash...and I added this little daisy to a collage that I tucked into her joy journal.

Paul's grandmother Gunderson (Margie's mom) taught me how to tat. I never got as good as her...but I made a handful of lace over the years. This pink lace is something grandma Gunderson made.

I think I was the only relative to show any interest in learning....and I have such fond memories of that precious time with Dorothy. She was so patient with me as my fumbly fingers got the hang of this delicate work.
I pulled out my little red tatting shuttle today to see if my muscle memory would kick in. Although I still know how to do it....I could tell after just a few stitches that it will be too hard on my hands. More tatting is not in my future.

But I will keep my eyes and ears open for someone I might be able to pass this onto....in honor of Dorothy.

It was windy and a bit chilly today...and it would have been really easy to just stay tucked in at home. 

But Paul and I headed downton for the protest...and we are always glad we went. I am hoping next week's NO KINGS protest is bigger than ever! 



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8 comments:

  1. dotty seiter: now playingMarch 21, 2026 at 7:54 PM

    That pink tatted lace is beautiful! I don't think I've ever even witnessed someone in the act of tatting. More's the pity! Thank you for joining the protest today, MaryAnn. I, too, want next weeks' nationwide No Kings protest to be HUGE. Dave and I will be in place in Ipswich where we rally. 150 folks today!

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    1. MaryAnn ShupeMarch 22, 2026 at 7:54 AM

      I think it's a bit of a lost art. It has some similarities to macrame...keeping the center string straight while tying knots around it. I never did more than basic stuff...but I've seen some amazing things. Thank you for also being out there protesting. I don't think Portland made 150 yesterday....maybe 100. I'm actually looking forward to next Saturday. Wish we didn't have to do it at all....but am proud to be part of the masses.

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  2. Cherie MooreMarch 21, 2026 at 9:27 PM

    I don’t know anyone who tats….is it something one can learn from YouTube? Seems like it’s almost a lost art, doesn’t it?

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    1. MaryAnn ShupeMarch 22, 2026 at 7:56 AM

      I didn't either before Dorothy. I'm guessing you can learn anything from YouTube! I'll send you my shuttle if you want it. I do agree that it might be a lost art.

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  3. Judy HartmanMarch 21, 2026 at 11:23 PM

    I only know one other person who tats and she also makes lace - are they the same thing? In any case I admire your little daisy and the pink lace Dorothy made. There are so many ways to do needlework! And I am looking forward to No Kings Day. It is so important and I'll be going with my husband and good friend Maryellen. Enjoy your Sunday, MaryAnn.

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    1. MaryAnn ShupeMarch 22, 2026 at 7:58 AM

      I think they are far and few between. You can make lace a lot of ways...and tatting is just one. You can also tat snowflakes and collars....I've seen some amazing things! So glad your participating in No Kings....it's important. Enjoy your Sunday too Judy!

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  4. SusanMarch 22, 2026 at 3:04 AM

    There are lots of you tube videos - I use “Tatting for the complete beginner” by Bryce as it shows each step really clearly. There are lots of patterns in places like Pinterest too. It is a dying art so why not give it a try? Happy tatting!

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    1. MaryAnn ShupeMarch 22, 2026 at 9:50 AM

      Thanks for the tip Susan! I was certain there were tutorials out there....but didn't take the time to look! Happy Sunday!

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